Top 9 Things To Do In Ismailia, Egypt - Updated 2024

Things to do in Ismailia
Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Ismailia is a city in north-eastern Egypt that was founded during the construction of the Suez Canal in 1863 by Khedive Ismail the Magnificent – the person who played a big role in the modernization of Egypt and Sudan during his reign, and where the city’s name came from. The city is situated on the west bank of the Suez Canal, which is the capital of the Ismailia Governorate. Many visitors might go and explore Egypt but will have to think of dropping by Ismailia. In fact, the city is popular with tourists from within Egypt but is really not a major tourist spot for international visitors. Crazy right? Because they could be missing half of their lives! Ismailia may not be a popular destination in Egypt but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have what other cities in the whole world have to offer. Let’s check out these beautiful things to see and things to do in Ismailia, Egypt.

1. Eat Italian dishes at Lemo's Cafe & Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Dark mood but we can turn it on a colorful one by our Italian original taste ! Come & grab your company for enjoying...

Posted by Lemo's on Monday, February 8, 2021

Make your trip to Ismailia memorable by savoring some of the most delicious pizzas at Lemo’s Cafe & Restaurant. It’s located in the Al Temsah neighborhood and serves various dishes, such as Margherita pizza, sausage, pepperoni pizza, sandwiches, delicious drinks, and starters. After a day of exploring and shopping, be sure to visit here and enjoy an appetizing dinner in a peaceful atmosphere.

This 4.3-star eatery is known for its hospitable staff and mouthwatering Italian delicacies made with fresh ingredients. Moreover, it has cozy indoor seating with wooden furniture, or you can enjoy al fresco dining with your companions.

Lemo's Cafe & Restaurant

Address: J824+HMR, Ahmed Abou Zaid Rd, Al Temsah, Ismailia 1, Ismailia Governorate 8367544, Egypt

Opening hours: 9am - 1am (daily)

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2. Visit Lake Timsah

Ismailia and Timsah lake - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Banja-Frans Mulder used under CC BY 3.0

Wondering what to do in Ismailia? As Egypt is full of gorgeous lakes, one of the best things to do is visit Lake Timsah as it is one of the most famed spots for its magnificent blue waters.

Popularly dubbed Crocodile Lake, the lake lies between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and is overlooked by numerous sandy beaches. You can rejuvenate after a hard day by walking by the lake’s cool waters or sipping a coffee or cocktail from the veranda of one of the many cafes nearby. Or get there early in the morning to choose the most peaceful spot and settle down with a good book.

Lake Timsah

Address: Timsah Lake, Ismailia, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

Website: Lake Timsah

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3. See the Ismailia Museum

Ismailia Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Roland Unger used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Ismailia Museum is a small museum, but it houses numerous objects that are really worth seeing. Most of the things that you want to know about Egypt, especially their history, can be found here. Over 4,000 different artifacts from Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman times are displayed including statues, scarabs, stelae, and information about the first canal built by the Persian Darius between the Bitter Lakes and Bubastis. A 4th-century mosaic masterpiece is a sight that showcases characters from Greek mythology–Phaedra sending the love letter to Hippolytus (her stepson), and Dionysus riding a chariot driven by Eros.

Ismailia Museum

Address: Mohamed Aly St. El Afrang District, Ismailia, Egypt

Website: Ismailia Museum

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4. See the abandoned Israeli Bunker in Sinai (Tabat Al-Shagara)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This abandoned Israeli Bunker in Sinai is one of the places to visit in Ismailia, Egypt. It is a popular site that is located 10 km (6.2 mi) to the east of the Suez Canal. Feel like you were present during the time when the place was an Israeli Operations control centre. This place also gives you a great scenic view but be sure to wear some sunscreen as the place is on open ground. You will surely spend most of your time under the sun!

Tabat Al-Shagara

Address: Al Qantarah Sharq, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

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5. Explore the Natural Science Museum

IsmailiaMuseumMainHall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Roland Unger used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you happen to bring your kids or little ones on your next trip to Egypt, a museum is a top choice not to waste your time and money. Aside from being able to enjoy the place, both the kids and the adults will surely learn something after visiting the Natural Science Museum. They also have tanks for more photo options too!

Natural Science Museum

Address: El Ersal, Ismailia, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

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6. Have a sumptuous meal at Nefertiti Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Nefertiti was known to be an Egyptian queen and the Great Royal Wife of an Egyptian Pharaoh, Akhenaten. She reigned, together with her husband, during the wealthiest period of ancient Egyptian history and claimed different titles such as Great of Praises, Lady of Grace, Sweet of Love, Main King’s Wife, and his beloved. In fact, there is a restaurant in Ismailia to pay tribute to her. Nefertiti was made famous by her bust and you can even see it on this restaurant’s menu. They serve fresh seafood, grilled items, and pasta and if you are going to ask for their bestseller, order their grilled shrimp!

Nefertiti Restaurant

Address: Ismailia, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

Website: Nefertiti Restaurant

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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7. Pay a visit to a Mosque

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Even if we normally go to a different place, we should also make time to visit a holy place. After all, it’s good to be curious when it comes to different religions. A mosque is a place of worship for devotees of Islam. It is where religious activities, such as teaching the Quran and educating future imams – a worship leader of a mosque, takes place. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit a mosque when you plan to visit a Muslim country. Not only will you be curious about this religion, but you will also be fascinated by how beautiful mosques are.

Masjid Al-Nour

Address: Ismailia, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

Website: Masjid Al-Nour

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8. Attend the International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts

Dubai-Filmfestival-2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The AIRSCREEN Com... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the most sought-after event that happens in Ismailia is the celebration of documentaries and shorts films. This festival started in 1991 as it is believed that shorts and documentaries should be given importance. Filmmakers in Egypt as well as in other countries treasure the festival because this is the time to showcase their works and celebrate their hard work.

International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts

Address: City of Arts, Pyramids Ave - Giza - Egypt

Website: International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts

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9. Enjoy relaxing views of the Suez Canal (from USD 150.0)

The Suez Canal is perhaps one of Egypt’s most famous waterways, teeming with water crafts since its opening in 1869. A trip to this seemingly modern canal is at once an encounter with ancient Egyptian history – since the time of the pharaohs, ancient east-west canals preceding the Suez Canal have been built to link the Nile River to the Red Sea. Hop on a ferry to cross the busy canal, or simply stroll along its banks and admire the many water crafts passing through on their way to the northern Indian Oceans. An idyllic vacation-ender before leaving Ismailia!

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Suez Canal Full-Day Tour from Cairo

Duration: 6 to 8 hours

4 reviews

The city of beauty and enchantment

Ismailia harbour
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Banja-Frans Mulder used under CC BY 3.0

Ismailia is a nice place for a quick visit to Egypt. While exploring the city, you may find yourself wondering, “How attractive are the buildings in Ismailia?” This is just one of many questions you will have. Your money and effort spent in the city would not go to waste. It wouldn’t be called the city of beauty and enchantment for nothing. What are you waiting for? Make sure to put Ismailia on your next travel list!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Catherine is a small-town woman who thrives in an ecstatic world, finding joy in planned and spontaneous travel. Life, to her, is a series of surprises waiting to be explored with open eyes....Read more

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